Independent Institute Senior Vice President Mary L. G. Theroux testified on "Childhood Poverty, Government Failures, and the Need for Economic Liberty", before the California State Senate's Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, at the request of State Senator Jeff Stone. The witnesses spoke about California's Maximum Family Grant rule for families on welfare. The rule caps grants and does not increase grant money to mothers on welfare when they have more children. Mary testified about the causes of poverty and of the need for other, non-government options for poor families. She introduced ideas for helping the poor through private resources and organizations, instead of government agencies where families and women often find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty.

Sr. Fellow David T. Beito appears on the Fox Business News' "Stossel" to debate whether government or private charity is a better way to abolish poverty. Beito, editor of the book The Voluntary City says that government is outdated and its War on Poverty is a failure.

Sr. Fellow Ivan Eland appeared on Arise TVs XChange program to talk about German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel has called for austerity in Europe and has helped Europe avoid economic collapse. Although she mediated bailouts in Europe, the situation would have been worse without her leadership. Merkel has also demanded sanctions against Russia.